Anant's Padayatra Takes Him To Anant Within

Anant Ambani , 29, concluded a 170km padayatra from Jamnagar, his ancestral hometown and karmbhumi, to Dwarka, one of India's holiest cities on Ramnavami. After setting out on March 29, he covered about 20km daily, walking for about seven hours each night.

In Sanatan Dharm, the Sapta Puris - seven sacred cities - hold great significance. These are places where one can attain salvation and be freed from the cycle of birth and death. Among these Puris is Dwarka, the city of Krishn. This place is associated with salvation and symbolises duty, sacrifice, faith, and devotion. The padayatra, foot march, to Dwarka is as spiritually significant as the destination itself. Ambani's padayatra is particularly remarkable, as he undertook this strenuous journey while overcoming significant health-related challenges.

Along the way, Ambani has encountered goodwill - some have walked along with him in solidarity, others have given him pictures of Dwarkadhish, and others have come over with their horses to take photos with him. In Sanatan Dharm, religious padayatras and pilgrimages are considered spiritual journeys that lead toward self-purification, devotion, and Self-realisation. These journeys serve as a means for the devotee to connect with the Divine. A padayatra helps focus one's thoughts, allowing the pilgrim to concentrate on more profound and meaningful questions of life. Yet, the mind is naturally restless; it tends to wander. Through mantras, stotras, and bhajans, it can be gently guided back to the right path. During the Dwarka padayatra too, if the mind begins to drift, it can be anchored by chanting Krishn's name: 'Hare Krishn hare Krishn, Krishn Krishn hare hare, hare Ram hare Ram, Ram Ram hare hare.'

A padayatra is filled with challenges. Difficulties lie in wait at every step, ready to test the pilgrim's resolve. In such moments, seeking refuge in Dwarkadhish offers protection and strength. For this, there is the powerful seed mantra of Dwarkadhish: AUM Kleem Krishnaya Namah.

And when one seeks protection, it must be accompanied by complete surrender. One must let go of the self and fully trust Him, believing that if Krishn has willed it, it will surely be for the best.

A padayatra is not merely about walking with the body - it is a journey of the mind. It begins when the mind sets aside worldly concerns and sets out to meet the Divine. When it forgets ego, anger, greed, and jealousy, and becomes absorbed in a single devotion, it is a form of tapasya, a quest to overcome hunger, thirst, and fatigue. It inspires one to look within and live a more disciplined, mindful life. As one sets out on this path, there should be no burden of desires or attachments - only the spirit of surrender and a yearning to connect with Him. The journey to Dwarka is a journey to the Self. It is an opportunity to feel and become one with divine energy. Mantras and bhajans support us along this path. That is why, at the Dwarkadhish Temple, one should chant: 'Jai Dwarkadhish, Jai Shri Krishn.'


Authored by: Shailendra Pandey